Peter Umtzigt (NSC) and Frans Timmermans (GroenLinks-PvdA) are both not present during the second RTL debate this Sunday. The news organization reported that the leaders of the two parties canceled the meeting.
The NSC notes that “it has always been reported” that there were doubts about the second RTL discussion. The party says it has never fully committed to attending.
Umtsigt said in a lecture he gave at the beginning of September that he preferred holding a debate with a limited number of party leaders, to avoid having a very superficial television conversation.
GroenLinks-PvdA was not yet available for comment. While Umtzigt announced on Tuesday that he would not be present at the second RTL debate, according to RTL, the news organization learned two weeks ago that Timmermans would not be present.
Editor-in-Chief: Elsie Opiner van RTL News He calls it “disappointing that party leaders aren’t engaging in conversation about topics that really matter to viewers in this way.” Part of the debate is that party leaders must respond to the concerns and questions of RTL News panel members. In this way, RTL hopes to “start a conversation between voters and party leaders.”
Umtsigt and Timmermans already faced off against Celguz last Sunday, but more party leaders are taking part in Sunday’s debate. In addition to Yesilgöz (VVD), there are also Geert Wilders (PVV), Caroline van der Plas (BBB), Esther Uehand (PvdD) and Rob Gitten (D66). The withdrawal of the leaders of the two parties opens the way for the leader of the Socialist Party, Liliane Marinissen, to participate.
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